And candlesticks can decorate any interior.
To do this, you do not need to buy candles and/or candlesticks, as they can be do it yourself, using old candles preserved at home and a few handy tools.
Here are a few interesting ideas how can I do it beautiful and fragrant candles and candlesticks for them at home.
How to make coffee candles
You will need:
Small bowls or glasses
Candle paraffin (can be cut from old candles, melted and used)
Candle wick
Super glue
Coffee beans
Chopped vanilla beans
Pot.
1. Melt the paraffin in the microwave, in a saucepan on an electric stove or in a water bath.
2. Glue the wick to the bottom of a bowl, glass or other form, where you will then pour the melted paraffin.
3. Pour some paraffin into the mold, add a layer of coffee beans and a layer of vanilla beans. After this, fill out the form completely. Try to keep the wick straight.
* While pouring paraffin, you can stir it with a stick.
4. Wait for the paraffin to harden and trim off any excess wick if necessary.
How to make a candle (video instructions)
Beautiful candles at home: animals
You will need:
Paraffin (can be from an old candle)
Small toy animals
Small candlesticks (with thin stem)
A drill with a small drill bit or any thin, hard and sharp object (to make a hole in the toy for the candlestick)
Pliers
Spray paint or acrylic paint.
1. Hold the stuffed animal with pliers and make a hole in it so you can insert a candle holder. Be careful not to pierce the toy all the way through.
2. Paint the toy on all sides. If you are using spray paint, you need to paint on fresh air, and preferably using a respiratory mask ( spray paint contains substances harmful to health).
*If desired, you can paint the candlesticks.
* Let the paint dry, and then you can light candles or simply place candlesticks with candles in a prominent place to decorate the interior.
DIY shell candles at home
You will need:
Deep shells
Paraffin
Short wick
Super glue
Pot.
1. Place shells on newspaper.
2. Glue the wick to the bottom of the shell.
3. Melt the paraffin and pour it into the shells.
4. Wait for the paraffin to cool and you will have the perfect decoration for the bathroom, for example.
Making cinnamon candles (photo instructions)
You will need:
Cinnamon sticks
Thick candle (not scented)
Rubber.
1. Place a rubber band on your candle.
2. Start tucking cinnamon sticks under the gum.
* You can use two or three elastic bands for security.
* You can decorate the candle with braid, jute bag fabric and/or a sprig of berries (can be artificial).
Homemade candle with spices
You will need:
4 small jars (or 2 large)
2 tbsp. spoons of spice (you can use cinnamon or a mixture of several spices, for example, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg)
Olive or nut oil (1/2 cup)
Long wick (about 30 cm)
Paraffin
Adhesive tape (scotch tape)
Scissors
Pot.
1. Pour some oil into a saucepan and place on low heat, but do not bring to a boil.
2. Add spices to the oil and stir.
3. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Pour the resulting solution into a jar and let it brew for no more than 2 days.
5. Melt the paraffin - cut a piece of paraffin (new or from an old candle), place it in a saucepan and put it on low heat.
6. Prepare the wick. Attach it to the bottom of the jar using tape.
7. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the jar.
8. Pour melted paraffin into the jar and stir to combine the oil and paraffin.
9. Place the jar in the freezer for 20 minutes or just in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
10. When you light a candle, you will feel a pleasant aroma.
DIY lemon candle (master class)
You will need:
Paraffin or beeswax
Lemon essential oil
Container for paraffin (mold).
1. Melt the paraffin in a saucepan over low heat.
2. From a saucepan, pour a little melted paraffin onto the bottom of the candle mold and insert the wick.
* The wick can also be glued to the bottom of the container in advance.
3. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil to a saucepan with paraffin.
4. Pour the melted paraffin into the mold, holding the wick straight.
5. Wait for the paraffin to cool.
* You can decorate the candle with jute and film, making it an excellent addition to the gift.
Making a lavender candle at home
You will need:
Soy wax
Soy wicks
Thermometer
Flavoring agent
A jar or other container for a candle.
1. Place soy wax in a saucepan and heat to 60-70 degrees. For one large soy candle you will need 2 cups of crushed wax.
2. While the wax is melting, glue the wick to the candle container.
3. Remove the wax from the stove and let cool to 50 degrees. After this, add a flavoring agent - vanilla aromatic oil or lavender.
4. Pour the melted soy wax into the jar. Try to keep the wick straight; to do this, you can press it with chopsticks or toothpicks.
5. The wax will harden overnight, after which the candle can be used, and if necessary, you can cut off part of the wick if it is too long.
Here's another way to make a scented candle at home:
Summer citrus candles at home
You will need:
Jars
Floating candles
Lemons and lime
Essential oil with the scent of lemon or other citrus fruits
Aromatic herbs
Twine or braid.
1. Cut lemons and limes into wedges.
2. Place the herbs in a jar. IN in this example Rosemary, thyme, lavender and chamomile were used.
3. Fill the jar halfway with water and add 10 drops of essential oil.
4. Place lemon and lime slices in a jar and add water.
5. Now all that remains is to place a candle on the water and decorate the jar with twine or braid.
Stylish and well-executed interior decor speaks of the excellent sense of taste of the owners, and original decor with handmade candles emphasizes the individuality of the home.
Today you will learn how to make a candle yourself, spending a minimum of time and money.
All that is required from you is just desire! In this article we will talk not only about all the stages and subtleties of creating a candle, but also consider some ideas for decorating candles that will delight the eyes of both hosts and guests.
Making candles with your own hands
It may be hard to believe, but making and decorating candles with your own hands does not require any expensive or rare materials.
We will use only what is in the arsenal of any housewife. So, for work we will need:
- A vessel in which we will melt the wax;
- Any shapes for candles;
- A large container with which we will make a water bath;
- Wooden sticks (2 pcs.);
- Various details for decoration ready-made candles(lace, beads, shells, cinnamon sticks, coffee beans);
- Any wax crayons(crayons will do);
- If available, use the stubs of used candles; if not, use regular paraffin candles;
- Paper yarn (cotton threads).
This is all that will be useful to us in creating our own wax candle. Who knows, what if we end up with a real decorative miracle?
Making your own wick
If you have ever watched a master class on candle decor, you know that the work of creating candles begins with making the wick. Regardless of what kind of candle you want to get in the end - wax, paraffin or gel, you won’t be able to do without a wick.
In order to make a wick with our own hands, we only need one single element - ordinary cotton thread without any impurities. If you want variety, take colored yarn, the result will surprise you!
As for the design of the wick, there are several interesting options:
Most often a flat wick is used. It consists of many thin threads intertwined with each other. As a result, three main threads are formed from them, which are also intertwined. This wick is the most versatile and is suitable for any type of candle.
Crochet braid - very original solution. This wick is suitable for different types candles and various materials.
A twisted wick is made as follows: three parts of the yarn are soaked in saline solution and leave for 10-12 hours. When the yarn is dry, twist all the parts together until you get the wick of the desired thickness.
If you don’t want to bother with making a wick, just take it out of a purchased household candle. Don't forget to saturate the wick with wax in advance to get a beautiful and even flame.
Selecting the shape for the future candle
Let's start with the good news - there are no restrictions or strict rules. Your imagination will have plenty of room to run wild!
The most convenient are ready-made silicone molds, but if you decide to do everything yourself, you can easily use improvised materials. Yogurt boxes, tin cans, plastic cups are all perfect for making candles at home.
For example, let's take a plastic cup from under your favorite yogurt. At the bottom, in the middle, you need to make a hole with a thick needle - this will be the place where we will insert the pre-prepared wick.
On one side of it, which remains outside the glass, you should tie a knot - this is done so that when pouring wax, it does not leak through the hole in the glass.
We place any wooden or plastic stick on the top of our form and tie the free end of the wick to it. Make sure that it is sufficiently tensioned and located exclusively in the center - this will ensure even burning and melting of the candle.
Let's give the candles some color
If you just wanted to learn the technology of making candles at home, then this step could be omitted. If you need unique candles to decorate your room, don’t neglect coloring.
For this purpose we will take children's colored wax crayons. They are the most the best option because do not dissolve in water, mix well with paraffin and will not “delight” you with a surprise in the form of an incomprehensible sediment at the bottom.
The technology for adding color to a candle is very simple: you just need to select a piece of chalk desired color and grate it. Mix the resulting shavings with cinders wooden stick and send it to melt. This seemingly simple process plays a big role in decorating candles and should not be skipped.
Filling the candle
Take the regular one tin can and lightly squeeze it around the edges - this will make it easier to pour out the candle. In the same jar we put everything from which the candle will be made and send it all to a water bath.
All you have to do is wait until the material is completely melted and you can start pouring. Remember that you should pour the candle into the mold gradually - first one layer, then the next and so on.
When the mold is completely filled, let the candle cool at room temperature. After this, the candle can be easily removed and the excess wick can be cut off, leaving about 1 cm. Our candle is completely ready - you can start decorating.
Decorative candles for every smell and taste
In addition to the usual paraffin or wax candles, You can try to make more original options:
Gel candles. Making them yourself will not be difficult, because the recipe is already written on the packages of gel wax - use it! A much more interesting process is decorating gel candles. Any decorations that you like are laid out on the bottom of the mold, and then everything is filled with gel wax. The effect is simply incredible!
Aroma candles. As you know, hand-made candles not only have an aesthetic function, but are also able to exude the favorite aroma of the owners of the house. Add a drop of aromatic oil to the candle base, and you can arrange a whole aromatherapy session at home!
The interior of the entire room depends on the correct decoration of candles. If you want to make the design of the room truly original, photos of the decor of candles made and decorated with your own hands will help you with this.
Choose the option that you like, listen to yourself, experiment, create and you will definitely be able to create a real wax masterpiece.
Photos of candle decor
Decoration of a festive table, part of the interior, a lifesaver in case of a sudden power outage, a nice gift for loved ones. What is this? Handmade candles!
Yes, yes, such an activity also exists. Moreover, those who are interested in such a hobby receive incredible aesthetic pleasure from it.
You can look at the photos of candles made by yourself endlessly...
What you need is easily accessible
Anyone can make candles. What will you need?
Wax
Sometimes paraffin can successfully replace it. The difference between them is that wax, due to its naturalness, does not emit soot, while paraffin, when completely burned, produces smoke.
This simple materials, the acquisition of which will not be difficult. You can find them in any craft store or, as a last resort, melt a ready-made candle, the cost of which is quite low.
Wick
There are also two options here: remove it from an unnecessary candle or make it from cotton-based threads. It is not recommended to twist them too much - the flame may go out.
It is also worth considering that a wick that is too thick will cause the candle to melt faster, while producing a lot of smoke.
The length of the wick is determined by the size of the candle plus a small section for convenient lighting.
Mold
A hollow container made of any material. The only thing: the edges of the form should be straight and not narrow.
Available materials are:
- Pan and metal utensils for a water bath;
- A stick or any long thin object (pen, match) for fixing the wick.
Making a candle
Having prepared everything necessary materials, you can start creating. Detailed master class will show you how to make candles with your own hands quickly and beautifully.
Place the wick into the prepared mold for the future candle, secure one end of it to a stick, and place it on the container.
Grind the paraffin or wax and melt it in a water bath. The heat should be low, and the process should be monitored, and to avoid lumps, constantly stir the mixture.
It is worth considering that the temperature of the molten material is quite high, so it should be handled with care.
Pour a little melted paraffin (wax) into the mold with the prepared wick. Place the tip of the cotton thread in the middle and let the material harden a little.
Wax has the ability to cool quickly, so you need to work with it quickly.
Note!
Fill the mold with the remaining melted material to the required level.
Wait until the candle hardens and trim off the excess part of the wick. It is recommended to do this at least 24 hours later.
All that remains is to remove the candle from the container. For ease of removal and to avoid damage, the mold should be placed in the freezer for half a minute or immersed in hot water.
You can light a finished candle only a day after its production is completed. During this time, it will have time to completely harden, which will have a beneficial effect on its operation.
Candle colors
You can make candles at home not only in the main (white) color, but also in absolutely any shade.
In order to color a wax work, you cannot use paints. Oil or acrylic they will not fulfill their purpose, but will only stick together in the melted paraffin, turning into unattractive colored flakes.
Note!
Wax pencils will help give the desired shade. They mix perfectly with the chosen material by adding small pieces directly during the melting process.
Using several pencils, you can create a real rainbow of shades by gradually pouring paraffin of various colors into the mold.
Aromatherapy
When making wax products, they not only paint them, but also make them give off a scent. The fragrance of a burning candle can create an atmosphere of peace and comfort, as well as energize or, conversely, relax.
In order to make a beautiful candle that will delight the eye and smell, you will need essential oils. They are sold in great abundance at any pharmacy or cosmetic store.
A few drops of oil will give the future candle a unique aroma.
Note!
When choosing a scent, you need to be guided by the purpose or color of the wax miracle:
- relaxation will be given by lavender oil, and in this case it is better to paint the candle in light purple;
- Bergamot can also relax – it’s suitable for this green color candles;
- An orange can improve your mood – a bright orange tint will complement the effect;
- ylang-ylang will set you in an intimate mood - lilac or pink color candles will be just in place.
Wax works of art
Decorating candles is the true pinnacle of wax craftsmanship.
You can decorate a candle in various ways:
- Natural materials - pebbles, shells, twigs and others. Basically, they are placed at the bottom of the mold before adding molten paraffin.
- Food products – coffee beans and dried fruits. Such materials can be placed throughout the entire volume of the mold, pouring wax gradually and giving it the opportunity to fix the decoration.
- Decoupage. The technique has been known for a long time and is successfully used in the manufacture of candles. A colored napkin design is placed on the surface and secured with glue designed specifically for candles. This fixation protects the paper from burning.
Separately, it is worth highlighting the carved decoration of candles. Not everyone can do this - it will require perseverance and accuracy, but the result exceeds all expectations.
For cutting you will need: stationery knife, paper and pen. After wrapping the candle in paper, determine the size of the future drawing, and cut off the excess. A pattern is applied to the remaining rectangle.
The candle is wrapped again in paper and secured with tape. Using a knife, carefully trace the pattern along the contour, and then cut out the excess layers of wax.
You can use these candles at a wedding, for table decoration, or just for the interior.
Transparent candles
You can make completely transparent candles using a special gel.
The advantages of this material are:
- absence of smoke, odors and soot;
- transparency (for beauty and decoration);
- possibility of self-cooking.
How is the gel prepared? Glycerin, gelatin and tannin are mixed in equal quantities, the same amount of water is added to them, all this must be put on low heat and cooked until the liquid evaporates.
At first, the gel may be cloudy, but as it cools it will become transparent.
Working with gel is not much different from using wax, but there is still a slight difference:
- after the candle hardens, it is impossible to remove it from the mold, so it is better to use a glass and transparent container;
- Before adding the gel, the mold should be slightly warmed up - this will prevent air bubbles from appearing in the candle.
You can color, scent and decorate a gel candle just like any other.
Knowing how to make candles yourself, you can always have a wonderful table decoration on hand, an exclusive gift for friends and family, and also use your creations in the interior.
Photos of candles with your own hands
Behind last years The production of candles from mass production slowly migrated to the home workshops of needlewomen, turning into a creative activity.
Candles, which just a century ago were not only the main source of light, but also a kind of indicator of a family’s well-being, used in wealthy homes instead of a smoky torch, have long lost their original meaning. Today it is important to make candles with your own hands at home in order to use them in a completely different capacity - as an element of exquisite decor and an invariable attribute of creating a romantic mood.
Making decorative candles as a hobby
Thanks to the simple technology of creating and large selection materials for work and decoration, now every craftswoman can open a miniature “candle factory” at home, which will not only bring pleasure from creativity, but can also become an additional source of profit.
The advantage of this type of hobby is that the activity is not difficult, not boring, and you can get a beautiful result quite quickly. For these reasons, making candles at home will appeal to and be within the power of needlewomen of all ages - both seasoned and not yet very experienced.
What you need for creativity
The best part is that to get started you need a minimum set of materials:
- candle gel, wax or paraffin;
- wick or cotton threads without synthetic impurities for its manufacture;
- form for pouring candles;
- elements for decoration.
Wax or paraffin can be used from ordinary household candles, and it will not be difficult to remove the finished wick from them. Candle gel is also easy to make with your own hands. Instead of an expensive mold, you can take any suitable fireproof container - a beautiful cup, jar, tin box. In short, starting a new hobby won’t cost much. We can say that this is one of the.
Based on the main material used to make candles, there are two basic technologies– wax and gel, which are similar in many ways, but still have their own nuances in operation.
Secrets of making candles from wax or paraffin
In the process of creating a wax product, the most critical moment is the melting of the material. This will require good dexterity and speed of action, since melted wax or paraffin cools quickly, moreover, it is very hot and can easily burn.
Also, before making a candle with your own hands, it is important to choose the right thickness of the wick: if you make it too thick, the candle will melt and smoke excessively, and a very thin one will constantly go out. The density of twisting of the wick also plays an important role - for wax and paraffin candles, the threads should be twisted slightly loosely so that the flame does not go out.
There is no universal advice here - optimal thickness and the twist density of the threads for the wick will have to be determined only by personal experience, by trial and experimentation. Each master develops his own formula and secret over time. successful work.
DIY gel candles
To make beautiful transparent candles that do not emit odor or smoke, you can use ready-made gel wax, or you can prepare consumables on one's own. In the latter case, you need to purchase ingredients such as glycerin, tannin, gelatin, distilled water and mix them and boil over low heat until the liquid has completely evaporated.
This technology is somewhat more complicated than wax technology, but the result is worth the effort - the products are very elegant and unique. During cooking, the mixture may become cloudy, but this is a temporary phenomenon that goes away immediately after the gel cools.
Gel opens up many different possibilities for decoration. For example, shells, pebbles, starfish, dried citrus fruits or flowers look very beautiful when filled with transparent wax. Women who are looking for candles can make candles with their own hands in this way at home, since no harmful substances are released during work.
Making aroma candles at home
It’s worth mentioning separately about aroma candles - they are also easy to make at home. The benefits of scented candles home production Also, you can have one hundred percent confidence in the environmental friendliness and harmlessness of the aromatic components.
Why learn to make candles?
Designers and decorators often use beautiful interior candles to create false fireplaces in homes and apartments. They may also become a good gift or a romantic souvenir, therefore, if you learn how to make a high-quality and original product, then it’s quite possible to make good money from your favorite hobby.
Especially if, on the eve of major generally recognized holidays, you make products with a themed design. Hand-made products can also be offered to restaurant owners, who often use candles to create an intimate atmosphere in the establishment in the evening or to give a special festive atmosphere.
Step-by-step master classes with photos
To help those who are just trying themselves in creating “homes,” we have prepared unique master classes With step by step photos. Detailed instructions will help you delve into the intricacies of craftsmanship and master difficult moments.
